Easter’s Over – Back In The Tomb, Jesus.

Last week was a beautiful for @V21Church. On Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday we examined our arrogance and Christ’s unwavering love. Easter was a true celebration as we had both planned and spontaneous baptisms at each service, and through the songs we sang of a risen King and the freedom from sin and death we find in Him. It felt special all week long. In a way, too special.

Why should the energy, passion, fervor and abandonment of Easter be any different from every week when the body gathers? We should celebrate the resurrection of Jesus every week!

There’s nothing inherently sacred about those days; they are traditions we take advantage of. Yet our preparation and prayer has a weight absent from the remainder of Sunday gatherings. This holiday has the potential to become an idol to us – we elevate Easter Sunday to place not found in scripture. Granted, I’m no scholar of church history, but I would wager the original intent was not to worship with abandonment only on Easter. While the cultural significance of this day provides an opportunity and responsibility to share the Gospel with those who do not believe, our approach to Sunday should not shift so dramatically from our regular worship services. The hope is that non-believers would return the following Sunday, but will they be let down by what they experience? I’m not even talking about an absence of lasers and fog – the services at @V21Church are simple and without much fanfare.

The conviction really comes not from how amazing Easter services are, but how lackluster other services are in comparison. It’s knowing what we are capable of that illuminates our laziness, apathy and/or pride. Why don’t we raise the bar on every other Sunday; preparing, praying and planning a service that blows people away, gives honor to Jesus and sweeps us up in thankfulness and praise? We should continue to make Easter a huge celebration, but not to the point where it feels like a different gathering of people who have suddenly woken up. Remember: Christ is Risen! This changes everything, for good.